2009 Triumph Rocket III

In a market saturated with wannabes and clones, the Triumph Rocket III stands alone in a class of one thanks to its striking looks, stunning performance and incredible specification.

With its fuel injected, three-cylinder, 12-valve powerplant displacing 2,294cc, the Rocket III is the world’s largest capacity production motorcycle. This incredible engine produces 147ft/lbs of torque at 2,500rpm, meaning that even two-up the Rocket III accelerates incredibly hard without obvious effort. A good turning circle, seamless fuel injection and a low centre of gravity combine to make manoeuvring at low speed surprisingly easy, while the steering geometry and overall length give a securely planted and confident feel. Added to this is a generous ground clearance, the Rocket III is a truly useable machine that can cruise streets or hustle turns with equal ability.

Twin butterfly valves for each throttle body are used to give precise control over the engine and this set-up allows the ECU to vary the mixture flow and ignition map dependent on gear selected and road speed. The torque curve is thus tailored specifically for each gear ratio. And the result is impressive – over 90% of the engine’s prodigious torque output is available at just 2,000rpm, giving incredible levels of flexibility and making the five-speed gearbox (nearly) redundant.

Maintenance-free shaft drive lays power to the massive 240/50-section rear tyre while 43mm upside down forks and spring preload adjustable twin rear shocks, built specifically for the Rocket III, add control, composure and supple compliance. The front brakes - twin four-piston calipers mated to 320mm floating discs – are built to sports bike specification and provide awesome stopping power. The rear brake, developed especially by Brembo, is a single twin piston caliper and 316mm disc.

The ability to personalise the Rocket III was integral to the original design philosophy of the bike. Developed and tested inhouse by accessories engineers in collaboration with the same Triumph design team and test riders responsible for the bike, the Rocket III’s extensive accessory range reflects the same close attention to detail and finish as the bike itself.

The 2009 Triumph Rocket III comes with the options of a menacing Phantom Black or classy Claret colour scheme.

Specifications

• Engine type - Liquid-cooled, DoHc, in-line 3-cylinder
• capacity - 2294cc
• Bore/Stroke - 101.6 x 94.3mm
• fuel System - Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with twin butterflies and progressive linkage on primary butterflies
• final Drive - Shaft
• clutch - Wet, multi-plate
• Gearbox - 5-speed constant mesh
• frame - tubular steel, twin spine
• Swingarm - twin-sided, steel (houses drive shaft)
• Wheels - front; cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 3.5in
• Rear' cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 16 x 7.5in
• tyres - front; 150/80 R17
• Rear; 240/50 R16
• Suspension - front; Kayaba 43mm upside down forks 120mm travel
• Rear; Kayaba chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload, 105mm rear wheel travel
• Brakes - front; twin 320mm floating discs, nissin 4-piston fixed calipers
• Rear; Single 316mm fixed disc, Brembo 2-piston floating caliper
• instrument - display/functions analogue speedometer featuring LcD odometer, trip information and analogue tachometer
• Length - 2500mm (98.4in)
• Width (Handlebars) - 970mm (38.2in)
• Height - 1165mm (45.9in)
• Seat Height - 740mm (29.1in)
• Wheelbase - 1695mm (66.7in)
• Rake/trail - 32º/148mm
• Dry Weight - 320kg (704lbs)
• fuel tank capacity - 24 litres (5.3 gal / 6.3 US gals)
• Maximum power - 142pS / 140bhp / 104kW @ 6000rpm
• Maximum torque - 200nm / 147ft.lbf @ 2500rpm